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The Power to Make a Choice
Esther 5:2-3 'When [the king] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."' (NIV)
 Have you ever felt like you're not in control of your destiny; as if the decisions of others are shaping your future, rather than your own? We've all felt that way at times. Yet no matter how restricted you may feel at times, the power to make choices is actually the greatest and most enduring of all human freedoms. Queen Esther of ancient Persia was a woman of God. Born a Jew, part of an underdog race living in a land of captivity, she had been elevated to a position of favour from which she could truly help her people in their hour of greatest peril. Although she carried the title 'queen', there was not much about her situation that she could control. Her behaviour was circumscribed by others. The king and his courtiers, the royal lawyers and advisors and the eunuchs who oversaw the king's harem – they all had a say in her life. The one aspect of her life over which she did retain control was her will. Even in the face of death, she could make decisions that shaped her future and, as it turned out, the destiny of an entire race. This was the one power the king did not wield: he could not force Esther to make a choice she did not wish to make. When she made the godly choice, divine favour flowed into her life. The king's circumstance and mood were affected so that he became even more favourable toward her. So, whatever you are facing right now, remember that you are far from helpless. You have the awesome, God-given power of decision. You can choose how to respond to the difficulties and pressures around you. If you make the godly choice – the one that's based on your understanding of God's word – you will see favour to carry you through even the toughest situation.
Prayer: 'Father, no one has the power to stop me making choices, for you gave me that right. My decisions carry great power. So, please help me to make good and godly choices in my situation, choices that attract your unusual favour.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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Fantastic and inspiring article Mal about the London bombings. I will be passing this on to others. May God continue to bless your unique and powerful ministry.
Jennie, Australia
I get really inspired by the Daily Recharge.
Matthew, Australia
A great article on 'Hybrid Stem Cell Research'! It is not only highly relevant to current research but also shows how just a little initial compromise will eventually cause an unstoppable downslide in ethical standards with irreversible outcomes.
Ann, Australia
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